During the past few weeks much has occurred in the General Assembly and it has been covered by the news media from many different points of view. However, the fact remains that a massive, permanent tax hike was shoved down the throats of the working Illinoisans, their families and small business owners. The personal income tax rate increased from 3.75 to 4.95% which is a 32% increase and the largest permanent income tax increase in state history. The corporate income tax rate increased from 5.25% to 7%. In case any of you were wondering I voted NO on the tax increase.